Philipp Grubauer Assigned to AHL After Struggles with Seattle Kraken
In a significant move, the Seattle Kraken have assigned goaltender Philipp Grubauer to the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League (AHL) after he successfully cleared waivers. This decision comes on the heels of a challenging season for Grubauer, who has struggled to find his form, recording a disheartening 5-15-1 record with a 3.83 goals-against average and an .866 save percentage over the course of 21 games. These statistics place him at the bottom among goalies who have played at least 15 games this season.
Recent Performance and Team Dynamics
Grubauer’s recent performance has been particularly concerning, as he has not secured a victory since December 30. His last six outings have resulted in a 0-5-1 record, with at least three goals conceded in each game. A notable low point occurred during the Kraken’s 6-4 defeat to the Anaheim Ducks, where he allowed five goals on just 22 shots.
Coach’s Reflections
Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma expressed his sentiments regarding Grubauer’s situation, emphasizing the team’s collective responsibility for their performance. “It’s a difficult thing for obviously ‘Grubi’, but the rest of the guys as well,” Bylsma stated. He acknowledged that while Grubauer’s struggles are evident, the entire team shares the burden of their current standings.
Contract and Career Overview
The 33-year-old goaltender is currently in the fourth year of a six-year contract valued at $35.4 million, with an average annual salary of $5.9 million. Since joining the Kraken, Grubauer has tallied a record of 54-76-12, with a 3.10 GAA and .890 save percentage across 151 regular-season games.
Looking Ahead
Bylsma mentioned that the team’s busy schedule and the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off would limit Grubauer’s practice and playing time. The assignment to Coachella Valley aims to provide him with the opportunity to regain his confidence and performance level. “Going to Coachella Valley will give him some practice time and game time to try to get his game back to where we all know and believe it can be,” Bylsma added.
The Rise of Joey Daccord
In recent seasons, Grubauer has seen a decrease in playing time as the Kraken have increasingly relied on Joey Daccord. This season, Daccord has posted a record of 17-12-2, with a commendable 2.45 GAA and .917 save percentage. Daccord had been the starting goalie for seven consecutive games leading up to Grubauer’s latest appearance.
Team Morale and Support
Defenseman Adam Larsson shared his thoughts on the emotional impact of Grubauer’s reassignment, highlighting the strong bonds formed within the team. “It’s tough for him, it’s tough for us, it’s tough for everyone,” Larsson remarked. He noted that the players often spend more time with each other than with their families during the season, fostering deep connections that make such changes challenging.
New Additions
In light of Grubauer’s reassignment, the Kraken have recalled goaltender Ales Stezka from the AHL. Stezka, who has recorded an 8-12-4 record with a 3.00 GAA and .902 save percentage this season, will step in as the backup. The 28-year-old Czech native was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2015 and is in his second season with the Kraken organization.
